New Orleans-Style String Beans

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beans and garlic. Blanch for 3 minutes and drain.

In a small bowl, combine the salt and spices.

Heat a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, honey, and the spice mixture. Let the honey "melt" together with the olive oil and spices.

Pat the drained beans and garlic cloves dry with paper towels, add them to the pan, and toss gently to coat them in the honey-spice mixture, 3 to 4 minutes.

Turn off the burner, pour Cognac into the pan, and flambe the beans until the alcohol is burned off. To flambe, ignite the alcohol by carefully touching the edge of the pan with the flame of a match or lighter. Novices are best off using fireplace matches or wooden kitchen matches instead of flimsy paper ones. Place the beans and garlic in a dish and serve, drizzling the remainder of the honey-spice mixture over them. Season with extra salt, if needed.